2020. What a year.

2020. What a year. And we’re only halway through! We are living in a time with more questions than answers. We are wrestling with multiple levels of confusion, and conflict. Some of us are struggling with isolation, loneliness, anxiety, depression, anger, and fear. We are all weary. We are all tired of the holding pattern, uncertainty, precautions, restrictions, and best guesses. We are all antsy to return to normal (whatever that means). Can I get an amen?

Life looks quite different across the world depending upon your geography, demographics, family situation, and personal dynamics. I have a wide range of friends way to the left and way to the right, ideologically, theologically, and politically. I have been heartbroken by the ugly, judgmental, divisive comments lobbed like grenades from all sides at those who disagree. There are no easy answers in 2020. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to all of our issues.

My soul keeps repeating: “From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2)

My mind keeps repeating three counter-cultural words: Listen, Peace, Contentment.

• Listen. I can love you and listen to you whether or not we see things the same way. I don’t have to agree in order to listen and love. Listening carefully and respectfully does not equal agreement nor approval. But I will always learn something from listening. My world view is limited. As a wise friend says, “My perspective is always limited. It’s just a matter of where and to what extent.” We don’t know the battles and obstacles people are facing behind their doors. Being heard, truly heard is a powerful, precious gift we can extend to others. No matter what. Listen.

• Peace. The peace of God is always a valid goal. Peace does not mean circumstances are wonderful. Peace does not mean inaction. Peace does not mean exemption from suffering. Peace does not mean unicorns and rainbows. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7) “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:27) Surpasses all comprehension. Not as the world gives. Have you ever experienced the peace of God in the midst of circumstances that were anything but peaceful? God offers a supernatural, unshakable, inexplicable peace in the middle of our darkest hours, a “hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast”. (Hebrews 6:19)

• Contentment. 2020 has not panned out the way I would like. How about you and your plans? Had any cancellations, disappointments, adjustments in your schedule? Few verses are taken out of context and misused more than Philippians 4:13—"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Back up a little. Look at the context: “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” (Philippians 4:11-12) 4:13 is not a name-it-and-claim-it ticket to be Superman or Wonder Woman. It is about learning the secret of choosing to be content. Even when my plans are crushed. Even when I can’t do the things I wanted, see the people I love, or even live life the way I enjoy. Tough lesson. I’m definitely still learning this one.

I must continually choose this posture:

O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty;

Nor do I involve myself in great matters,

Or in things too difficult for me.

Surely I have composed and quieted my soul;

Like a weaned child rests against his mother,

My soul is like a weaned child within me.

O Israel, hope in the LORD

From this time forth and forever.

Psalm 131

Praying for all of us as we learn to take each step through the uncertainty, upheaval, and landmines in watchful obedience to the sovereign God of Eternity.

Grace and Peace,

Linda

Alone Together #18 Step by Step.

Even as I am l released from house arrest and enjoying some renewed freedom, my mindset can best be described as muddled. How do I trust in the Lord and take steps in wisdom? Who do I believe? What does it look like as I attempt to “do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God?” (Micah 6:8, as Jim reminded us last Tuesday)? What does it look like to “to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27)? How do I submit to Christ in me in the midst of a world in upheaval, change, transition, renewal, dissention, fear, anger, splintering, and hopefully healing? Such important questions as the global Church as well as an individual follower of Jesus.

My mind goes back to a familiar passage:

For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said,

"In repentance and rest you will be saved,

In quietness and trust is your strength."

But you were not willing,

And you said, "No, for we will flee on horses,"

Therefore you shall flee!

"And we will ride on swift horses,"

Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift.

One thousand will flee at the threat of one man;

You will flee at the threat of five,

Until you are left as a flag on a mountain top

And as a signal on a hill.

Therefore the LORD  longs to be gracious to you,

And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you.

For the LORD is a God of justice;

How blessed are all those who long for Him.

O people in Zion, inhabitant in Jerusalem, you will weep no longer. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you. Although the Lord has given you bread of privation and water of oppression, He, your Teacher will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes will behold your Teacher. Your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left.

(Isaiah 30:15-21)

I need this more than ever: “Your eyes will behold your Teacher. Your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left.”

Any thought of control we might have is merely an illusion. We must look to the Sovereign One in every step. I am continually reminded that my salvation come from repentance and rest, and my strength comes from quietness and trust. I am looking to my own steps, then walking alongside (paraclete-ing) so many others who are desiring to make choices and walk through this current field of landmines in a way which honors God. This is what Psalm One Ministries is all about.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) “I will seek You in the morning and I will learn to walk in Your ways, and step by step You'll lead me, and I will follow You all of my days.” (Rich Mullins)

Much love,

Linda

Alone Togther #17 Yikes.

Whatever else we’re doing, may we all be praying without ceasing. Wow. You can only imagine what’s coming across my desk. How do we as Jesus followers navigate the challenges?

• We hope to begin meeting face-to-face in the classroom soon. Pay attention to your email. I am not yet released to be with more than ten people. We will work out a Zoom component so those who cannot join us in person for any reason can still be with us.

• Everyone has ideas on when and how fellowships should reopen. There is no easy solution and one-size-fits-all plan. And as I talk with pastors and ministry leaders, it breaks my heart to hear how many believers are being really ugly about it. We’ve never done this before, and I know everyone has their own ideas. May we be patient and consider others as we make decisions about re-entry.

• “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."

Revelation 21:1-4

Anyone else longing for this? Anyone else crying out, “Come, Lord Jesus”? How do we come before God at a time like this?

On top of other personal issues you and your family may be facing, two huge issues currently dominate the first half of 2020:

All the facets of Covid-19

• Illness

• Death

• Isolation

• Safety

• Wildly varying reports and opinions

• Economic devastation

• Reopening churches, businesses

• Disappointments

• Cancellations

• How to proceed in wisdom

• Political divisions

All the facets of the unrest in America

• The death of George Floyd

• Racial issues

• Protesters

• Riots

• Looting

• Violence

• Safety

• Economic devastation

• Further splintering of our society and the Church

• Political divisions

Some of us have barely been affected. Some of us have our lives turned upside down. Some have barely had to adjust course. Others have lost everything. We each have a unique experience, griefs, and perspective. Everyone has their own opinions (which of course, everyone else should share!). In the immortal words of Dylan Moran: “I know not everyone thinks the same way I do. And that’s what makes the day so long.”

I know it will be very difficult, and I know people have extremely strong opinions, but please no politics tonight. Can we agree to disagree but come together in the Word and the Lord? Praying for wisdom and direction as we take each step. May God teach us to listen, then to trust Him for each step.

“This  you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” (James 1:19)

Much love,

Linda

P.P.S. I think I should share this again: https://medium.com/@alwaysmay/no-how-are-you-really-468c0087b75